NEW REAL MADRID SHIRT 2010/2011 - Official release on June 2

Here you have the new Real Madrid shirt for 2010/2011. I had thought that having signed up to the official Real Madrid newsletter recently, that I'd be one of the first to receive pictures of the shirt. Not to be. Bizarrely, the shirt is already available in South Africa (reasons on a postcard?) and Marca has jumped the gun by publishing the picture below on their website this afternoon. Quite like it. It's not as awesome as the new Atletico Madrid away shirt, but it's not a bad effort from Adidas. The lines that radiate out from the badge is a nice touch. Also fits in nicely with the clubs idea that Real Madrid is the centre of the universe. As soon as some decent photos of the shirt are released, I'll replace the shoddy effort below. And be sure to catch the Real Madrid v AC Milan legends match at the Bernabeu tonight. Zidane, Cafu, Maldini, Butragueño, Costacurta, Weah, McManaman and many more classic blasts from the past will be involved. 7pm kick off (CET).

Saudi Arabia give Spain a rough ride in Austria (Highlights)

Saudia Arabia 2 - 3 Spain
(1-0) 17' Hawsawi, (1-1) 31' Villa, (1-2) 60' Alonso, (2-2) 74' Al Numare, (2-3) 92' Llorente

Spain had to rely on a last gasp Fernando Llorente header to edge past a battling Saudi Arabi in Innsbruck, with a lethargic performance that will have Del Bosque a little worried less than two weeks before South Africa 2010 begins. Better they get games like this out of their system before the World Cup, as performances like this could be fatal in the latter stages of a tournament. Although thats exactly what these friendlies are for. Blow away the post-season cobwebs and get into stride before the serious business begins. 

There were a few worrying signs in defense, not least a glaring error from Iker Casillas for Saudi Arabias opener which will undoubtedly open a pointless Casillas v Valdes debate, whilst Spains midfield was uncharacteristically careless in possession. Only Xavi and Iniesta looking capable of cracking open a stubborn Saudi backline and it was the returning Andres Iniesta, showing no signs of rustiness, who turned inside and sent over an inch-perfect cross for his new Barca teammate David Villa to nod Spain level. 'El Guaje' is now only seven behind Rauls record of 44 international goals for 'La Roja'.

Xabi Alonso struck a trademark goal from outside the box on the hour to put Spain infront, before Saudi Arabia sprung another surprise to pull themselves level; a well.worked move leading to Al Numares' shot which took a slight deflection leaving Casillas helplessly wrong-footed. Vicente del Bosque rung the changes, handing debuts to Pedro and Javi Martinez in the process, before Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who had looked dangerous alongside fellow substitute Jesus Navas, headed in a late corner to hand Spain victory. The bigman will be vital in the World Cup, offering a solid alternative to Villa and Torres if things aren't running smoothly upfront. Another positive to have come out of this match, is that it's shown once more that this Spain side has winning firmly fixed in their DNA. Next up South Korea.

JOSE MOURINHO NEW REAL MADRID MANAGER - Florentino pays €8 mill to Inter

Today it was confirmed that Jose Mourinho will be the new Real Madrid manager next season as Florentino Perez finally reached an agreement with Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti. Inter Milan had been holding out for 16 big ones, but with Florentino flying out to Milan to sort the deal out personally, it appears they agreed upon meeting halfway. Mourinho will be presented to the fans on Monday at 1pm, and whilst Real Madrid want to hold a Cristiano-style media fanfare in the Bernabeu, 'Mou' is understood to want a quieter entrance. He has a four year contract at €10 million a year, but as his time at Inter proved, if Madrid manage to win their tenth Champions League before, he will be on his bike to his spiritual home in England. The only shame I see in this whole affair is that it has unfairly taken all the limelight from Inter during their finest hour. They've achieved the triple and all the footballing world been talking about is Jose Mourinho. The guy is proper box office.

So it's official. We will have the Mourinho-Guardiola battle we all longed for. Next season will be brutal!

REAL MADRID SACK MANUEL PELLEGRINI - Chilean put out of his misery

The worst kept secret in Spanish Football was confirmed today as Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini was sacked by Florentino Perez. As the club lined up Jose Mourinho to take the reins, Pellegrini had been on the Bernabeus version of death row. He knew his fate was sealed, it was simply a matter of when. Just as winning the league wasn't good enough for Fabio Capello to keep his job, a record Liga points haul and over 100 goals wasn't enough for Pellegrini, who becomes Florentinos sixth managerial victim. They played some exceptional football at times, but ultimately the Chileans time at the Bernabeu will be judged by two disastrous cup exits at the hands of Alcorcón and Lyon and a fruitless bid to unsettle Barcelona as La Liga champions.

He was consistently hindered by a lack of support from the clubs hierarchy and press, with only the fans ever seriously backing their manager. The stage is now set for the Mourinho show to waltz into town in his attempt to be the first ever manager to win league titles in The Premiership, Serie A and La Liga. Just the small matter of around €16million compensation for Inter Milan to sort out first. Small change for Florentino.

They never cease to amaze me, but just take a look at the disgusting show of disrespect from the Real Madrid rag Marca. The Real Madrid news section and no mention of Pellegrini. It's as if he never existed. A bad nightmare.